UK insurance company Zurich has announced a radical overhaul of its approved repairer network from some 170 bodyshops, to just four main companies.

The move by Zurich reflects a growing trend in the UK market for major insurers to work with bodyshop chains on a long-term basis. It also puts extra pressure on stand-alone independent bodyshops, which are being squeezed out of much of the insurance work pool.

Whilst the differing nature of the Irish accident repair market means that such a model would not work here, it does illustrate that insurers are increasingly seeking to work with bodyshops that have effectively moved to a new level in professionalism and customer service, particularly in regards to claims processing.